CD Reviews

'Audiotraffic' I get some kind of psychiatric-medical condition, a kind of yet unnamed –tism - an insatiable, dreamy, brain pattern loop I can’t break free from - when I listen to a song I really like. Audiotraffic’s Way Too Long is a case in point. On the day I bought their CD I listened to that song on my CD player about 60 times and then got up early the next morning to fit in a few more listens along with Lost City, TDP and Better. Then…and here’s where my downfall began… I had to listen to Way Too Long just ONE more time before dragging myself in the sour world of my workplace. The thing was I KNEW I was going to miss the bus, but I still played it that one more time, such was my addiction. I arrived at the bus stop in time to see the rear end of the #638 disappear up the street. But did I care? No, I was still singing “I’ve been missing you for way too long, I never knew I might be wrong…” like a total spaz who had wandered too far from her sheltered workshop. When I signed in at 8.33am my boss smiled that two-faced smile and asked, “Isobel, did you know you have to sign in before 8.30am? (Yes, you bullying, mean-spirited fuckwit, I know.) So I mumbled something about traffic jams and fog (with own matching fake smile) because I just really don’t think Hong Kong bosses are ready for anything as mature an explanation as it was all Audiotraffic’s fault because they make such good music. Speaking of my undiagnosed -tism, I remember listening to Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros’ Get Down Moses so many times a boyfriend at the time threatened to ninja-star the CD out of the window. So, faced with that kind of brutality in a relationship, I had no other choice. I ninja-starred him out of my life. Some things just give you so much more happiness than others… The self-titled Audiotraffic CD is beautiful inside and out, with its crisp-looking black and white cover and minimalistic yet sophisticated graphics all relating to the good wholesome processes of playing, recording and listening to music. It’s got all the good stuff you’ve heard the band play at gigs with their distinctive ethereal, spacial sound. It’s like they are playing just around the corner in the hallway outside your apartment. (I wish… it would be a nice change from the loudmouth neighbours and crying newborns.) An intersection between indie Brit-pop/ shoegazing/ trip hop and US alternative pop/ rock/ country and grunge…theirs is the authentic, sublime formula for the best kind of mind-blowing reaction. When asked about their CD sitting high up on the HMV ‘Charts’ shelves, self-effacing but understandably a little proud guitarist Don Cruz quietly says, ‘Yeah, it’s pretty cool.’ Reviewed by Isobel S. Saunders April 2008

'Deborah, Anne & Violet' - Hard Candy Eccentric, quirky and unpredictable, Hard Candy are a full-girl experimental punk trio that brings a very unique noise to the local music scene. Apart from fusing “riot grrrl” with post-rock and punk-punk elements, they explore every possibility of sound by arranging songs without any restrictions, bearing a close resemblance to Yeah Yeah Yeahs meeting Sonic Youth and Mogwai. The vocal style of guitarist/lead singer Yanyan Pang is remarkably peculiar in a captivating sense. Her deliberate off-tune intonation exudes a sense of innocence and gives an erratic quality to Alexandra’s groovy bass lines and Renee’s creative drumming. Bad Bad Bad would most probably be the piece that represents themselves. The song bursts into energetic punk straight away as Pang utters nonchalantly and a whistle blows. It is the strident girl punk attitude that makes it punchy and rambunctious, defining their signature style. Instrumental track Elliot, The Moment You Stab On Your Chest is different though. It is moody and meandering, and is a reminiscent of The Cure plus Explosions In The Sky. Yes. It takes time to digest experimental music; but once you get into it, it will be a different story. Give Hard Candy a taste! http://www.hardcandygrrl.com Reviewed by Nicholas September 2007

'Inspired by People' - Luke Chow After two years of anticipation, introspective singer-songwriter Luke Chow has finally released his long-awaited debut album. Having Alexandra from Hard Candy on bass, Mike from Shepherds the Weak on drums, and Ben Tse from The Lovesong as the producer, inspired by people is a philosophical journey paved with optimism, musicianship and passion. On this nine tracker, Luke expresses his intimate feelings and perspectives on life through his swaying guitar rhythms and flickering melody lines. His mellow voice – sometimes pleading, sometimes poignant – brightens the melodramatic lyrics with enthusiasm and sincerity, enticing you to drown in and reflect on yourself. It would be more accurate to say Luke possesses a blend of John Mayer’s sensuality and Jason Mraz’s exuberance. Becoming A Dentist is the highlight of the album. With relentlessly upbeat drum grooves and grungy guitars, Luke conveys the importance of having control over your own life in a fervent and cheerful manner. Two Weeks Too Few is another notable track comprising of a series of impressive changes in song structure and mood. Not only does it push the sentimentality to its limit, it also turns the song into strong surges of emotions. If it is consolation that you seek, inspired by people is the right choice. Trust me. You’ll be happy. http://www.lukechow.com Reviewed by Nicholas September 2007

Reignition - Air Tub Wonderfully designed EP from Airtub - the only complaint I have is that its TOO SHORT with just a few tracks to tickle my music buds. And what did I think of the songs? "Overture" - great intro to the EP with Neil Chase introducing Airtub mixing in Radio 3 theme tunes and the opening to "Perfect Life" very uplifting and clever - great idea guys! "Perfect Life" - a poppy radio-friendly number that makes me think of summers driving in Europe, sun is shining and it's 9pm and life is great yet someone is missing, hence the chorus refrain of "I wish you were here". Symphonic keys add so much to this track. "Confusion" - the nu-metal side of Airtub. This is the side of Airtub that I like to see live as their energy on stage is superb. The dynamic side of this band makes me think of my favourite band "Linkin Park" which is just so cool. "Confusion - (Re-ignited version)". Mmm a remixed version with more keys in the forefront. Vocals floating on the top. An interesting version and shows the expertise this band has at creating textures in their songs. "Perfect Life - in Cantonese" - a nice touch. Sounds just as appealing in Cantonese! "Per-fusion Live" - moody reflective song with an acoustic arrangement to end the album - very sweet. Great arrangement on all of Airtub's songs, the addition of Marcus on keyboards was a great move! The actual EP is cleverly presented in a fold-out manner and the colours and design are glorious! A great EP to have in your CD collection! Get it whilst you still can!!! Reviewed by Chris B December 2005

Fruit Punch - Will It End This debut release from this band is a long time coming. Formed since 1997 as a full band, they are now down to two persons - Leo & Patrick, who both sing and both play bass and guitars. Using a drum machine, their album is very unexpected for an independent Hong Kong production. The opening track "Will It end?" is an acoustic number that veils what the listener is actually going to hear. "Our Future" - very smooth bass line and a Joy Divisionesque hook of "Can you tell me what our future will be?" Unfortunately, this track degenerates into a noisy mess at the end - I'm guessing Fruit Punch aren't too positive about our future? "Plastic City" - interesting harmonies occuring here, the chord progression is catchy. The strained singing on the chorus is a little bit unsettling although I like the power chords on the guitars.... "Blew the Line" - Like the vocals on this one. There's a lot happening in this song and it's reminiscent of a 70s punk ballad. Like the guitar riff and solo work. Interesting lyrics to this song. Fruitpunch certainly write about what is important to them. "The Last Scene" - Unexpectedly Echo & Bunnymen like start. This track is my favourite from this album "The Sound of Night" - A Beatles inspired track. Kudos to these guys for giving their falsettos a chance. "Game of the Few" - Interesting chord progression. Rather depressing lyrics reflecting the songwriter's inability to influence the world around him. I quie like the chorus to this track. "No Feedback" - The piano intro is a nice way to lead into some strange lyrics. "Watch Myself" - Nice simple guitar work on this track makes it very appealing. "The End" - A fitting end to a fine experimental album with highlights and lowlights. If you think HK is only made of Canto-pop artists, this CD will definitely shake you up and make you realise you need to get out of your bubble and watch some bands at Underground. Reviewed by Chris B December 2005